Thailand Holds Full-Dress Rehearsal for Royal Barge Procession

BANGKOK, Oct 22 (TNA) - Thailand on Wednesday held a full-dress rehearsal for the Royal Barge Procession on the Chao Phraya River in preparation for the upcoming Royal Kathin robe-offering ceremony scheduled for November 6.

During the official procession on November 6, His Majesty the King will travel by royal barge to present Kathin robes at Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan, commonly known as the Temple of Dawn. The ceremony also commemorates the 48th birthday anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Suthida, which fell on June 3.

Wednesday's rehearsal featured a fleet of 52 traditional barges stretching over 1.28 kilometers along the river, manned by more than 2,200 oarsmen in colorful ceremonial attire. The procession moved along a route extending from Wasukri Pier to Wat Arun, accompanied by traditional barge-chanting echoing across the waterway.

The fleet included four major royal barges: Suphannahong, Narai Song Suban, Anantanakkharat, and Anekkachatphutchong. Each barge was fully adorned with tiered umbrellas, curtains on the pavilion, and elaborate floral decorations. The Royal Barge Suphannahong was decorated with its signature tassel, highlighting its status as a recipient of the World Ship Trust's Maritime Heritage Award in 1992. - 819 (TNA)